When Steve House and RidgwayÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Vince Anderson launched their momentous alpine-style ascent of a new route on the legendary Rupal Face of PakistanÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Nanga Parbat in 2005, they each carried packs weighing a mere 32 pounds.

Those packs sustained their six-day push up the first-ever route and their two-day descent. In addition to harvesting all sorts of accolades from the mountaineering world, the duoÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s audacious climb affirmed the swift, light and fast style as an increasingly viable option to the month-long siege style of old.

The light-is-right alpine guru House recently offered a lucky few dozen at this monthÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Ouray Ice Festival a glimpse inside his pack. There wasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t much there. And thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the idea behind speedy, swift ascents.

* Two leashless Grivel ice axes with a leash system House made to keep the axes attached to his harness in case of a fumble.

* A handle-less shovel blade that fits over the end of an ice axe.

* Two ropes: an 8 mm climbing rope and a 5 mm static rope; both cut to 50 meters. (House notes that climbing ropes stretch so for identical lengths, the static line should be cut longer to match the length of the stretched climbing rope.)

* Hardshell helmet. Ã¢â‚¬Å“If IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m in the mountains, I always wear a helmet,Ã¢â‚¬? House said.

* A 2.2-pound tent. A 600-gram synthetic sleeping bag hand-sewn by House and a bivy sack.

* A Ã‚Â¾-length, three-season Thermarest sleeping pad.

* A small headlight with two AA batteries. (House and Anderson shared two headlights: a tiny one and a heavier and brighter headlamp for nighttime route finding.) Ã‚Â Ã‚Â Ã‚Â

* A JetBoil stove. A Patagonia Das Parka down jacket for sleeping and a pair of dry socks were the only clothing House brought that he didnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t wear while climbing.Ã‚Â

* Things House eschews on light-and-quick ascents: gaiters, especially Gore-Tex, which can build up moisture on legs. House leashes his Patagonia pants under the sole of his boot. Repair tools. Heavy things.